Enhancing Accessibility in Post-Secondary Education Institutions

Inclusive Education Resources

This section provides examples and resources on the practice of inclusive education within PSE institutions and the different ways that colleges and universities are providing meaningful education opportunities for students with developmental disabilities.

College/University Resources

  • The Inclusive Post-Secondary Education program at Lethbridge College offers people with developmental disabilities the opportunity to attend college by taking classes for audit. A student who has no high school diploma or a modified high school diploma can enter Lethbridge College through Inclusive Post-Secondary Education. Facilitators modify assignments, homework and tests in order to meet students’ individual learning styles and needs. Facilitators work one on one with students to assist them in completing homework, participating in extracurricular activities and finding meaningful employment. Students are supported year round, including the summer months. http://www.lethbridgecollege.ca/students-staff/index.php?option=com_content&task=view&id=1221&Itemid=466
  • Mount Royal University offers an inclusive post-secondary education program which provides support to students with developmental disabilities. The University recognizes the value of a post-secondary experience in the process of becoming an adult. http://www.mtroyal.ca/AcademicSupport/ResourcesServices/InclusivePost-SecondaryEducation/
  • Inclusive Post-Secondary Education is operated by The Integrated Post Secondary Education Society of Alberta. It supports students with developmental disabilities to attend classes of their choice at St. Mary's University College.

    Students choose a variety of courses in a range of areas including English, Drama, Biology and Psychology. In addition to auditing classes, students are supported to live the life of a student by accessing facilities, joining clubs and expanding their social networks and relationships. http://www.stmu.ab.ca/programscourses/inclusivepostsecondaryeducation.htm

  • Humber College runs a program for students with developmental disabilities entitled Community Integration through Co-Operative Education (CICE). For more information on CICE visit http://www.humber.ca/program/community-integration-through-co-operative-education-cice
  • Lakeland College began providing Inclusive post secondary education in January 2008. The initiative is for students with developmental disabilities who are included in regular programs of study. http://www.lakelandcollege.ca/resources/inclusive.aspx
  • The College of the North Atlantic has developed a four stage service delivery model to address the diverse needs of students, including students with disabilities. This includes:
    • Regular College Curriculum, Programs and Courses
    • Regular College Curriculum, Programs, and Courses with Supports
    • Modified College Curriculum, Programs and Courses
    • Alternate College Service

    To learn more contact the Distributed Learning Service at 709.466.6961 or by email at dlshelp@cna.nl.ca

  • Douglas College offers the following Adult Special Education (ASE) programs for people with special needs, or barriers to employment:
    • Basic occupational education
    • Career and employment preparation
    • Customer service and cashier training
    • Light warehouse training
    • Consumer and job preparation

    http://www.douglas.bc.ca/programs/basic-occupational-education.html

International Programs

  • In the United States, there is a Database of Postsecondary Education Programs for Students with Intellectual Disabilities which identifies existing programs across the country. http://thinkcollege.net/programs/
  • One unique example of inclusive education from the United States is a collaboration between Onondaga Community Living and Syracuse University for the ACCESS program. The ACCESS program admits seven students with significant intellectual disabilities. The local school district provides a certified special education teacher who coordinates the program while providing curricular modifications for students and supporting a staff of six paraprofessionals. http://uc.syr.edu/Community/ACCESS/

External Resources

  • The Alberta Association for Community Living (AACL) has been the primary developer of inclusive post-secondary education opportunities in Alberta. Today Alberta offers more inclusive post-secondary options for adults with developmental disabilities than anywhere else in the world.

    In addition, AACL sponsors an Inclusive Post-Secondary Education Network which represents all of the inclusive post-secondary education initiatives in Alberta. Through the network they offer ongoing staff development activities and retreats for parents, students and staff. http://www.aacl.org/InclusiveEducation/PostSecondaryEducation/tabid/94/

  • STEPS Forward BC Initiative for Inclusive Post-Secondary Education has agreements with several Universities and Colleges to support students with special needs to attend as auditing students.

    STEPS Forward supports adults with developmental disabilities to go to their local college or university regardless of their level of ability or designation label. These students are enrolled as auditing students who participate fully, to their level of ability, in courses, assignments, student employment and campus activities of their choice over a period of 4-5 years. Upon completion, students participate in the convocation ceremony and receive a certificate of completion. http://www.steps-forward.org/



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